Lord of Spring

A devotional blog for Bridget’s day on 1 February

 


It comes early. The first signs of spring greet us with surprise. The breakthrough of snowdrops, their heads bowed in quiet worship. The first sight and sound of young lambs in the fields, dancing for joy. The assurance that life breaks winter’s bleakness. The light half of the year has begun. 


This is what the first days of February bring us. It marks the quarter day. Half way between winter solstice and spring equinox. A time when the Celts of old celebrated Imbolc, which is old Irish for, ‘in the belly’. A time when sheep were about to lamb, their bellies full of life. It welcomed the beginning of the light half of the year. 


This year it brings a much welcomed early bank holiday in Ireland on the feast of St Brigid, which remembers Brigid of Kildare who lived around 450-523.  She is associated with protection and promise of life, health and well-being and even warding off evil. The timing is no accident, as it matches spring’s beginnings and perhaps intentionally replaced the old stories of Celtic goddess Brighid, celebrated at Imbolc. 


Oh, it’s all so messy and murky. Were they the same person? Did the Christian Bridget provide a ready opportunity to displace the pagan goddess? Or some even think it was the other way around, as the pagan goddess appears second in history written down.  


We find ourselves amongst stories and traditions that weren’t recorded until many a year after. Enough mystery to leave well alone for some Christians. If that’s you, then hold on for a minute. 


What if Bridget’s feats were more myth than miracle? Stories that were told at the time to accentuate the importance of someone, but which were never really taken as gospel. (Especially in the sense that we might understand the gospels as eyewitness historical accounts of Jesus) Rather they were good stories built on basis of some trait of the hero or heroine that was magnified.  


There is one story where her father was so frustrated with her giving freely of his possessions to those in need that he sought to sell her to the king.  Yet while he negotiated with the king, Brigid was approached by a beggar asking for alms.  So she gave away her father’s sword.  On learning of this the king insisted she was too good for him, he could never win her obedience.  So her kindness and care for those struggling in life is magnified. 


Recovering the real Bridget might be beyond us, but what lies beneath both festival of Imbolc and feast of Bridget which Christians celebrated at the same time? 


They both uncover a thirst for life and a longing for health and well-being, knowing only too well that life is too full of sickness and evil. We seek a kindness and hope as we encounter  these stark realities. 


Despite many modern medical advances, which might insulate us somewhat, such realities have marked our winter. Infections rife after Covid isolation leading to shortages of antibiotics. Hospitals overcrowded to record levels with shortages of beds. I wonder what health struggles you’ve laboured under this winter? 

So, as we see spring’s beginnings around us we might be reminded of the Lord who is kind and life giving. 


Acts 14.17 reminds us that God, 

“… has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”


Another story of Bridget brings us to an even greater testimony than this. It is said that on visiting a dying chieftain (some say her own father) she picked up reeds from the floor and weaved them into a cross, as she spoke of Jesus. The man begged to be baptised. This was her kindness as his life reached an end. She pointed him to the Lord whose life laid down in love for us on the cross, is the greatest kindness we might know and truly life giving. 


So as we see the crosses crafted by kids in school or as we look to the signs of life in nature around us, we might remember how those with faith in Jesus will also spring one day to life immortal.  


1 Corinthians 15:42-43

So is it with the resurrection of the dead. 

What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. 

It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory. 

It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.


Perhaps this winter has brought you close to death’s chilly breath? Maybe a recent loss or a memory of who is absent at Christmas feasting? As spring comes again may the promise of life bring you kindness and hope. The light lies ahead. 


Lord of spring, you are the Creator of life 

The giver of flocks and flowers and food.  

We give you thanks for the measure of 

Health and strength we enjoy

We ask that you might show us your kindness

In healing the sick and bringing hope to the sorrowing, 

Knowing that because of your death

We will one day rise to life immortal 


Sent from my iPhone

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